Patient Care Technician (PCT) – University Medical Center ED and Inpatient Units

At UVA Health, Patient Care Technicians are not filling a single shift or unit need. They are building the clinical foundation of our inpatient workforce. This PCT role serves as the primary pipeline for the majority of inpatient units across UVA Health's Main Campus, offering unmatched exposure, development, and long‑term career mobility within one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.

A Career‑Defining Entry Point into Academic Medicine

Healthcare is demanding, fast‑moving, and deeply human. As a PCT at UVA Health, you will be trusted with meaningful patient care while gaining experience across a wide spectrum of inpatient environments. This role is intentionally designed for individuals who want broad clinical exposure, strong mentorship, and a future in inpatient care, whether that path leads to advanced PCT roles, nursing, or other clinical professions.

You will work alongside nationally recognized physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams in a Magnet‑recognized hospital that values professional growth, clinical excellence, and compassionate care.

The Role

As an inpatient Patient Care Technician, you will support patients and care teams across a diverse range of medical, surgical, critical care, and specialty units. Your work directly contributes to patient safety, comfort, and outcomes while strengthening the operational heartbeat of the hospital.

In this role, you will:

• Provide hands‑on patient care including mobility assistance, hygiene support, vital signs, and comfort measures

• Partner closely with Registered Nurses and interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe, coordinated care, promote patient safety, serve as a key safeguard in fall prevention, and consistently provide direct observation when needed

• Support unit flow in high‑acuity and fast‑paced inpatient environments

• Build clinical judgment, time‑management skills, and situational awareness across multiple specialties

• Serve as a reliable, compassionate presence for patients and families during vulnerable moments

An average day may include responding to patient needs, assisting with admissions and transfers, supporting complex care routines, and collaborating with experienced clinicians who are invested in your development.

This role serves inpatient units across UVA Health, including but not limited to:

• Medical ICU and General Medicine, and Epilepsy Acute Care.

• Coronary Care Unit, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery ICU, Acute Cardiology, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery IMU and Acute Care.

• Surgical Trauma ICU, Surgical Trauma Intermediate, Surgical Subspecialties, Surgical/Trauma/ENT/Bariatric Acute Care.

• Abdominal Transplant IMU and Acute Care.

• Neuro/Neurosurgery ICU, Neuro/Neurosurgery IMU, Neuro/Neurosurgery Acute Care.

• Acute Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant.

• Emergency Department and Clinical Decision Unit.

• Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ICU, Pediatric IMU and Acute Care, and Pediatric ED.

• Labor and Delivery, Ante/Post-Partum, Mother-Baby IMU and Acute Care.

This breadth of exposure makes the role a strategic entry point into nearly every inpatient clinical pathway at UVA Health.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health is a world‑class academic health system anchored by the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. As a PCT here, you are part of a mission‑driven organization committed to transforming health through patient care, research, education, and community engagement. 

What sets UVA Health apart for this role:

• Magnet Recognition, reflecting a culture of nursing excellence, shared governance, and professional respect

• A Level I Trauma Center, Level IV NICU, and the first NCI‑designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Virginia, offering exposure to complex, high‑acuity care 

• UVA Health Children’s, consistently ranked the number one children’s hospital in Virginia, providing pediatric specialty experience within an academic setting 

• A deeply collaborative environment where PCTs are valued members of the care team, not task‑based support

• Intentional internal mobility, with this role serving as a feeder into inpatient specialty units and future clinical roles across the health system

This position is strategically important because it develops versatile, highly prepared inpatient clinicians who understand UVA Health’s standards, culture, and patient‑first mission.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life for healthcare professionals. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area blends natural beauty with vibrant culture. You will find award‑winning restaurants, local wineries and breweries, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. With a lower cost of living than many academic medical hubs and easy access to hiking, music, arts, and family‑friendly neighborhoods, Charlottesville supports both professional ambition and personal well‑being.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent

Experience: No experience required

Licensure: American Heart Association (AHA) Health Care Provider BLS Certification required. For Non-Certified team members hired prior to May 11, 2026, certification is not required, as relevant experience will be accepted in its place. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires frequently bending/stooping and driving (Home Health Aide only).  Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull 20 – 50lbs and > 100lbs (Home Health Aide only).  May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.